A final ruling is needed before construction starts

While MGM Resorts does have the first casino license, this doesn’t mean that it will immediately start construction on a casino. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved the license, but isn’t accepting payments due to the possibility that the state’s casino law could be up for repeal on November’s ballot, reports the Associated Press.

A final ruling on if the law will be up for repeal on the ballot will be made by July 9. If the casino law is allowed to stay, MGM Resorts will build an $800-million hotel and resort in Springfield. This would create around 2,600 construction jobs and 2,350 full-time jobs, the Associated Press notes.

“The City of Springfield deserves a brighter economic future. Its residents spoke loudly when they voted yes for MGM Springfield in a July 2013 referendum,” Michael Mathis, President of MGM Springfield, said in a statement. “A successful repeal would mean the loss of good jobs, new economic development and a needed revenue stream.”